Originally Posted By Zoomer302:
Wonderful Dogs. This ones my 2nd. My wifes 4th. She says this one is the craziest of all. VERY high energy/maintenance. That said, she hunts like the devil, runs like the wind and will chase balls/frisbees/sticks till her paw pads fall off. Loyal, highly trainable, obedient, intelligent and protective of my 2 kids.  Make sure the breed is right for you and you will be rewarded handsomely. If this is NOT the breed for you, well, consider yourself warned. Only you can make that decision.

As a pup they need work each and every day. They need to be run each and every day. Not necessarily in the field. but they need to burn off energy or they can develop bad habits. They may not be content to sit still and watch football on Sundays - and never leave chicken wings on a TV tray while you go fetch another beer.

http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr280/Zoomer302/IMG_1360.jpg

Originally Posted By Karcus47:
What can you tell me about these dogs?  Post pics if you got them.

BTW Anyone know any breeders in Texas?

Originally Posted By vladimirchild:



I think you nailed it––––––––-all of it! Never ending energy, second only to my Vizsla. Both are inside dogs and rainy days are rough. Keep them in and deal with them bouncing off the walls or let them out and be prepared for a couple baths. I think once they turn 8 or 9 things will settle down a bit, at least that's when my 1st GSP settled down.

Originally Posted By RileyF:



I think you two both nailed it perfectly. They have ALOT of energy and have to have lots of exercise every day. Rainy days are very hard. My dog needs 4-5 hours outside every day, and he just runs laps, chases squirrels, birds, leafs anything. I don't think I have ever been able to wear him out completely. He burns so much energy every day I just can't keep any weight on him, he is too skinny and he eats 2x the amount of my 2 Labs, and it puppy food. He passes out every night around 8:30 because of all the activity. He is one of the most loving and protective dogs I have ever had. He has brought life back to my older Labs he gets them up and playing every day. I believe he would of made a excellent field dog, but I just don't hunt.

I would not recommend a GSH unless you have a house and yard they can spend a lot of time in, they require lot of exercise and attention every day.

Originally Posted By Zoomer302:
Wonderful Dogs. This ones my 2nd. My wifes 4th. She says this one is the craziest of all. VERY high energy/maintenance. That said, she hunts like the devil, runs like the wind and will chase balls/frisbees/sticks till her paw pads fall off. Loyal, highly trainable, obedient, intelligent and protective of my 2 kids.  Make sure the breed is right for you and you will be rewarded handsomely. If this is NOT the breed for you, well, consider yourself warned. Only you can make that decision.

As a pup they need work each and every day. They need to be run each and every day. Not necessarily in the field. but they need to burn off energy or they can develop bad habits. They may not be content to sit still and watch football on Sundays - and never leave chicken wings on a TV tray while you go fetch another beer.

http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr280/Zoomer302/IMG_1360.jpg

Originally Posted By wwestfal:
I am thinking of getting a GSP, dog in general, and this whole forum has been helpful.  When you train them, do they need to be on a leash. I hate keeping dogs on leashes.  And I don't want to be responsible for the death of a dog.  People told me dachshunds had to be on leashes.  Have two that are never leashed, and I get yelled at for it daily at the local park/state park, but they listen.   And most have warmed up to my 2 dachshunds.

Originally Posted By Zoomer302:
Wonderful Dogs. This ones my 2nd. My wifes 4th. She says this one is the craziest of all. VERY high energy/maintenance. That said, she hunts like the devil, runs like the wind and will chase balls/frisbees/sticks till her paw pads fall off. Loyal, highly trainable, obedient, intelligent and protective of my 2 kids.  Make sure the breed is right for you and you will be rewarded handsomely. If this is NOT the breed for you, well, consider yourself warned. Only you can make that decision.

As a pup they need work each and every day. They need to be run each and every day. Not necessarily in the field. but they need to burn off energy or they can develop bad habits. They may not be content to sit still and watch football on Sundays - and never leave chicken wings on a TV tray while you go fetch another beer.

http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr280/Zoomer302/IMG_1360.jpg

Originally Posted By supremeweasel67:
Didn't want to start a new thread, and it seems the OP got his questions answered so..............................................................

MY Choc. Lab pup is no longer a pup.
He will soon turn 12 and unfortunately after many deployments, he never did get trained as a bird dog.
My intent was for him to be the "all around dog" . Family pet, protector, and a some hunting on the side.

I never got another dog over the years, as I didn't think it would be fair to him, to spend more time with the new dog, and to be honest, was reluctant to get a new dog, because didn't want same situation to occur.

I have owned/worked many different breeds of dogs personally and professionally. I know they all have their "issues".
A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to pheasant hunt over some outstanding dogs, but was very impressed with the GSPs.

So, thinking maybe it is time for a new pup.
This past year, I finally found that I had the time, and decided that I like waterfowl hunting.
My research has revealed that the GSPs can be a do all field dog, which brings up my question,

Does anyone here use the GSP as a waterfowl dog?
I know they are great upland dogs, but I don't see very much information on using as a water dog.

I would primarily use in the south, so temps would be around 10 degrees - 70 degerees. ( depending on our fluke weather).
Will be in small blinds and from a duck boat.

This dog will be like my others and will not be a kennel kept dog. He/She will be a member of the family and live in the house.

How much difference in needs are they from my Choc. Lab?
I have a fenced yard, I am able to be around majority of the day, take my lab to the lake or river every week for "Swim Thereapy" (really to let play)

One of the reasons, I am considering a GSP, is because all of My Labs have been 75-110 lb dogs.
I am looking for a smaller version, hunting machine, family pet, protector. I know some GSPs can get big, but looking for a 40-60 lb. dog.


I know everyone says Bloodlines, and I believe that is 97% true.
All of my other dogs have been non-papered/registered, and came from families whose dogs had pups.
They have all been great dogs. Everyone that sees my current Lab, says he would of made one heck of a duck dog. (and he came from a non hunting farm/family pet litter)

I beleieve any dog can be taught, but sometimes it is just alot easier if they have the natural instinct.
Which brings up the next point/question.
I am not opposed to getting an older 2-3 year old rescue dog. BUT..... looking online at the different GSP rescues, the majority of the "Older dogs" all say gun shy. I know from experience this is a 50/50 on being able to correct.

Also at what point is to "Old" for a GSP to hunt. I know it is based on individual as with anything, but the average?
Waterfowl training is not cheap, just looking for best decision and money spent.


THANKS

Originally Posted By pumbaajk:







From what I read, GSP are a lot like my English pointer. That being said, Annie absolutely loves the water and swims like a fish. The only problem I see with using one as a water dog is 1) getting them to sit still in a blind and 2) keeping them warm. I saw a guy post on here that his dog ignores pain. That could be a problem for a short haired, skin and bones, muscular type dog in possibly cold waters. I would hate to see my dog get half way to a duck, ignore a physical problem, and get Im a predicament. That's my thought on it but I could be wrong.

Originally Posted By supremeweasel67:


My Lab has fairly short hair, But I saw this online while researching.

terrificpets.com––-
A dense undercoat protected by the stiff body hair makes the dog water resistant and better adaptable to cold weather.

The German Shorthaired Pointer breed was developed in Germany during the 1800's for hunting. They were created by crossing old Spanish pointers with numerous other breeds such as scent hounds and tracking hounds; Foxhounds, Italian Pointers, German Tracking Hounds, German Bird Dogs, and English Pointers. The combination created a responsive, lean, hunting dog with great versatility, being able to retrieve both fur and feather, on land and water. Breeders focused on the basis of function rather than form, in creating the breed.


Wiki––-
Like the other German pointers (the German Wirehaired Pointer and the less well known German longhaired Pointer), the GSP can perform virtually all gundog roles. It is pointer and retriever, an upland bird dog and water dog. The GSP can be used for hunting larger and more dangerous game, and in addition has a scent hound's talented nose. It is an excellent swimmer but also works well in rough terrain. It is tenacious, tireless, hardy, and reliable. In short, it is a superb all-around field dog that remains popular with hunters of many nationalities

From the AKC website..........

A versatile hunter and all-purpose gun dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer possesses keen scenting power and high intelligence. The breed is proficient with many different types of game and sport, including trailing, retrieving, and pointing pheasant, quail, grouse, waterfowl, raccoons, possum, and even deer. A medium-sized breed, he has an aristocratic bearing and can be solid liver or liver and white in color.


Of course you can't "believe everything you read".

Originally Posted By pumbaajk:







Your probably.right. besides, they make doggie wet suits so you can protect them in extreme cold. Does your lab have some meat on its bones or is it rail thin?

Also at what point is to "Old" for a GSP to hunt. I know it is based on individual as with anything, but the average?

Originally Posted By Pontius:


When she's dead.  Seriously.

Originally Posted By jdfworth:
Todd and Stacey Anderson of Anderson Ranch Gundogs in Decatur, TX are the best.  Todd's daughter Stacey has been training these dogs since she was running around next to her daddy at about 7 or 8 years old.  In the recent NSTRA trials in Oklahoma, 11 of the top 15 dogs were trained by Stacey.  Here is the link and below is a picture of my GSP Daisy (out of Todd's kennel) on point with some old guy that kind of looks like me:

http://nansonsp.smugmug.com/Family/Hunting/i-g8wPx95/0/X2/0526-X2.jpg